Best Magnetic Rowing Machines

Looking for a near-silent indoor rowing experience? If so, a magnetic rowing machine is your best bet. As well being suitable for most households due to their quiet operation, magnetic indoor rowers will also work for every budget. You can now find magnetic rowing machines in nearly every price range. A big difference in price is seen when you bump up from a residential model to a more durable commercial-grade rowing machine. In general, magnetic rowing machines are distinguished by their friction-free resistance. Their design operates almost silently, which many users prefer over the gentle splashing of water rowers or the humming of air rowers. If you’re on a budget, you may also be browsing hydraulic indoor rowers. Just keep in mind that magnetic rowers tend to be much more durable than hydraulic rowing machines. Their stroke cycles are also more true to life compared with those of hydraulic machines. Check out our top 3 magnetic rowing machines on the market below, and scroll down to learn more about rowers in this category.

Kettler Coach E Rower

Avari Programmable Magnetic Rower

Magnetic Rowers—What To Expect

Magnetic rowers are known and loved for their virtually silent operation. If you’re looking for a rower to use after hours but are worried about disturbing your household, a magnetic rowing machine could be your perfect match. Aside from near-silent operation, you can expect a smooth, consistent rowing stroke. You can also precisely control the resistance via working your way up through the various magnetic levels. What’s more, a magnetic rowing machine won’t need much (if any) maintenance. However, magnetic rowing machines aren’t the best at delivering a true rowing feel. Air and water resistance rowing machines are more complex to build, and are known for their more fluid and realistic feel.

How Do Magnetic Rowers Work?

With old-fashioned rowers, the flywheel is stopped with physical force. This can be noisy and wears components down over time. In contrast, magnetic rowers control their flywheels with electromagnets. These are placed near the flywheel, but do not actually make physical contact.

How Powerful Is The Resistance?

The resistance on magnetic rowers is preset from light to heavier levels. It can be controlled manually by a dial or electronically via the machine’s console. In some cases, it can be adjusted by special control buttons on the rowing handlebar. On a cheap rowing machine a rider might choose from five resistance levels. On a better model they might choose from 20 resistance levels. In contrast, many water rowers and air rowers do not have preset levels. They adapt to user effort instead. Overall, resistance varies by model. Our magnetic rowing machine reviews consider consumer comments about whether a rower is too easy to use, too difficult, or just right.

Which Magnetic Rowers Are Best?

Our favorite magnetic rowing machine is the Coach E by Kettler. It has the best combination of ratings for durability, programming, price and more. In terms of low budget magnetic rowing machines, Stamina leads the industry. NordicTrack adds interactive training into the mix without a huge jump in price. So this is a brand to consider if you want workout guidance or you struggle to stay motivated. With their rowers, you can access video trainers who control the resistance of your rower to push you through your workouts. We’ve also given favorable reviews to hybrid rowers from Stamina, LifeCore, Sole and other brands. To keep operation quiet, these models use air resistance for low resistance levels and magnets for the more challenging levels.

Pros

Precise Control

Virtually Silent

Little Maintenance

Cons

Not Realistic

Lower Weight Capacity

Durability

1. Horizon Oxford 6 Rower

Now the brand’s top of the line rowing machine, the Horizon Oxford 6 Rower is very closely priced to the Oxford3, but with some fairly significant upgrades that more than justify the $150 price difference ($899 vs. $749 when both are on sale). It uses the same magnetic resistance setup as its counterpart, though with double the number of resistance level settings (20 compared to 10). This magnetic resistance is controlled electronically rather manually, though the physical adjustment is still done via a knob located below the console and handlebar. As we also mention in our review of the Horizon Oxford 3 Rower, the use of magnetic resistance coupled with its high-strength nylon drive belt make both of these new Oxford rowers very quiet overall. This is a great perk for those who live in apartments or shared households where you don’t want to disrupt your family, roommates or neighbors.

<p>Now the brand’s top of the line rowing machine, the Horizon Oxford 6 Rower is very closely priced to the Oxford3, but with some fairly significant upgrades that more than justify the $150 price difference ($899 vs. $749 when both are on sale). It uses the same magnetic resistance setup as its counterpart, though with double the number of resistance level settings (20 compared to 10). This magnetic resistance is controlled electronically rather manually, though the physical adjustment is still done via a knob located below the console and handlebar. As we also mention in our review of the Horizon Oxford 3 Rower, the use of magnetic resistance coupled with its high-strength nylon drive belt make both of these new Oxford rowers very quiet overall. This is a great perk for those who live in apartments or shared households where you don’t want to disrupt your family, roommates or neighbors.</p>

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Pros

Resistance Levels Preset Workouts Quiet

Cons

Basic Console

2. Kettler Coach E Rower

A step up from the more basic Coach M rower, the Kettler Coach E rower boasts frictionless electromagnetic resistance and 12 preset workouts. Its resistance range is ideal for challenging a wide range of trainees, from beginners through to advanced rowers. Built to last, the Coach M rower’s high-carbon steel and powder-coated frame has a lifetime warranty against breakage. At 80″ long by 20″ wide, it’s an average sized rower. Although not foldable, you can move the Coach E rower from room to room with the help of the attached caster wheels. At $1,399, it’s one of the best budget-friendly electromagnetic rowing machines on the market.

<p>A step up from the more basic <a href="https://www.fitrated.com/rowers/kettler-coach-m-rower-review/">Coach M</a> rower, the Kettler Coach E rower boasts frictionless electromagnetic resistance and 12 preset workouts. Its resistance range is ideal for challenging a wide range of trainees, from beginners through to advanced rowers. Built to last, the Coach M rower’s high-carbon steel and powder-coated frame has a lifetime warranty against breakage. At 80″ long by 20″ wide, it’s an average sized rower. Although not foldable, you can move the Coach E rower from room to room with the help of the attached caster wheels. At $1,399, it’s one of the best budget-friendly electromagnetic rowing machines on the market.</p>

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Pros

Preset ProgramsBonus ExercisesSmooth Resistance

Cons

Plugs InWeight Limit

3. Avari Programmable Magnetic Rower

At $699, the Avari Programmable Magnetic Rower is an affordable rowing machine that delivers great cardio workouts at home. Customer reviews are very positive, citing the machine’s easy assembly and quiet operation. It’s built with extruded aluminum that looks good and holds up well. The rower uses quiet magnetic resistance controlled electronically with buttons on the console. As well as featuring a selection of preset workout programs, the console allows you to wirelessly monitor your heart rate (chest strap included) and displays all your essential exercise data. At 81” long by 20” wide, it’s a medium-sized rower, but it can be folded for storage if space is a concern for you.

<p>At $699, the Avari Programmable Magnetic Rower is an affordable rowing machine that delivers great cardio workouts at home. Customer reviews are very positive, citing the machine’s easy assembly and quiet operation. It’s built with extruded aluminum that looks good and holds up well. The rower uses quiet magnetic resistance controlled electronically with buttons on the console. As well as featuring a selection of preset workout programs, the console allows you to wirelessly monitor your heart rate (chest strap included) and displays all your essential exercise data. At 81” long by 20” wide, it’s a medium-sized rower, but it can be folded for storage if space is a concern for you.</p>

7801001

Pros

Quiet & Powerful ResistanceMonitorEasy Folding

Cons

Uncomfortable SeatWeight CapacityQuality Control

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